Disciplinary proceedings will be concluded before the end of this season.

The FA released a statement last year in which they explained the charge related to a period in January 2018. This was a time in Sturridge’s career during which he joined West Bromwich Albion on a six-month loan having been earlier linked in several media outlets with a potential transfer to Sevilla, Inter Milan, Newcastle and Southampton.

The FA has not yet released details as yet as to what specifically prompted the Sturridge charge, but the dates overlap with the transfer window allowing for a reasonable assumption there is a link.

Players are prohibited from gambling on any footballing activity in which they have direct or indirect involvement. As well as games, that can include transfers, managerial changes or team selection.

Passing on information to family members or friends who subsequently make a bet can also lead to an investigation.

Sturridge was initially given until 20 November 2018 to formally respond to the charges, but after further discussions a longer period was agreed by all parties.

The 29-year-old informed his current club he has never gambled on football. For their part, Liverpool first became aware of a possible investigation in March 2018, at which point Sturridge was still at West Brom.

Whatever the outcome, the impact on Sturridge’s Liverpool career is likely to be minimal. His contract runs out at the end of the season. However, the process might create a complication for those clubs interested in signing the England international on a Bosman deal ahead of next season, as they await to establish the seriousness of any punishment - should there be any.

Past precedents for proven breaches of FA betting rules have ranged from fines and warnings to lengthy suspensions.